NEW DELHI: India and the United States have concluded most discussions on their proposed bilateral trade agreement and are now fine-tuning the pact ahead of its signing, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday.
Addressing the India-Netherlands Business Forum in The Hague, Goyal said the two countries had made substantial progress in negotiations.
“We have concluded most of the discussions on the India-US trade deal. Now we are fine-tuning the agreement,” he said.
The minister also said India is holding trade negotiations with eight other countries as part of its efforts to expand global trade partnerships and improve market access for Indian businesses.
Goyal’s remarks come amid positive indications from the US leadership regarding the proposed trade agreement. US President Donald Trump recently told reporters at the White House that India and the US were “pretty close” to reaching a deal.
“We’re going to make a deal… It’s going to be a much different kind of deal than we’ve done,” Trump said.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has also expressed optimism, stating that major issues in the negotiations had been addressed and that the two countries were close to finalising an agreement.
Goyal has previously emphasised that the final trade agreement must provide Indian exporters with a competitive advantage over their counterparts in other countries.
India-Netherlands Economic Cooperation
During his visit to the Netherlands, Goyal also met members of the Dutch Parliament to discuss opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation.
In a post on X, the minister said the discussions covered the potential of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost market access, diversify supply chains and create new investment opportunities.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and innovation to build a resilient and future-oriented economic partnership between India and the Netherlands.
Focus on Trade and Industrial Partnerships
Goyal is on an official visit to Germany and the Netherlands from October 22 to 27 to strengthen India’s strategic economic partnerships, expand bilateral trade and promote industrial and technological collaboration.
During the Berlin leg of his visit from October 22 to 24, the minister participated in the Berlin Global Dialogue, engaging with international policymakers and global business leaders.
He highlighted India’s macroeconomic stability, manufacturing capabilities and role in building resilient global supply chains.